Samantha Leriger

ED 3508

Topic: Sky Science
Resource
INVOE. (n.d.). Solar System Scope. Retrieved October 6, 2014, from
http://www.solarsystemscope.com/
Grade Level: 6
Subject: Science
Brief Description of the Activity:
Students will go to the website http://www.solarsystemscope.com/ and explore the
Solar System. They will be given an opportunity to investigate different aspects that we
have discussed as a class (planetary orbits, constellations, scale and scope of the universe,
unique characteristics of each planet) on their own and at their own pace. Students will be
given a number of basic requirements for this assignment to ensure that the specific
knowledge learning outcomes are being met. They will then have the opportunity to
investigate anything else of interest to them and will decide how best to present all this
information as well as evidence of their understanding.
General Learner Outcomes:
6-7 Observe, describe and interpret the movement of objects in the sky; and identify
pattern and order in these movements.
Specific Learner Outcomes:
1. Recognize that the other eight known planets, which revolve around the Sun, have
characteristics and surface conditions that are different from Earth; and identify
examples of those differences.
2. Recognize that not only Earth, but other planets, have moons; and identify examples
of similarities and differences in the characteristics of those moons.
3. Understand that Earth, the Sun and the Moon are part of a solar system that
occupies only a tiny part of the known universe.

ICT Outcomes:
C 1.1.1 access and retrieve appropriate information from electronic sources for a specific
inquiry
C 4.1.2 formulate new questions as research progresses
F 1.1.3 demonstrate an understanding that the user manages and controls the outcomes of
technology
Samantha Leriger
ED 3508

C 1.2.2 organize information gathered from the Internet, or an electronic source, by
selecting and recording the data in logical files or categories; and by communicating
effectively, through appropriate forms, such as speeches, reports and multimedia
presentations, applying information technologies that serve particular audiences and
purposes
Rationale for Computer Integration:
Computers have been integrated into this assignment because they allow students
to visualize the Solar System in an interactive way from a variety of approaches, allowing
for greater understanding. The site used has a very accurate 3D model that can be adjusted
to include a number of different spatial and temporal variables to produce a more detailed
model of planets, stars, and other objects and how they interact in space. Students can
explore the universe at their own pace in a multitude of ways and pursue whatever aspects
interest them most. In this way, the lesson allows for student-directed learning and
differentiation.
Internet Search Strategies:
I knew there would be many semi-relevant sites for this topic, so the goal was to
find a website that was particularly interactive, accurate, easy to use, and appropriate for
Grade 6 learners. I used Googles advanced search options with a number of different
terms, such as interactive, orbit, elementary, students, science, solar system, planets,
model, etc. I ran the search multiple times using different combinations of these terms. I
found that terms such as elementary and science were ultimately unnecessary, but
decided that all search results should definitely include solar system, and that sites did
not necessarily need to include the terms interactive or virtual. I explored a number of
websites, including those of National Geographic and NASA, before I did my final search (as
shown below) and discovered the Solar System Scope website in the top three results.